·

THE
ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 WORLD MEMON ORGANISATION NEWSLETTER

MEMON

AGM SNAPSHOTS 2019

 From
the Desk of the

President
The AGM Diaries 3
AGM Snapshots 9
Project Mohabbaten 22
INSIDE

Dear Ahmed Shaikhani bha and all Members of the

Snipets 24 Middle East Chapter

Memon Health Day 26 Assalamu Allaikum

On behalf of all the Office Bearers and visiting delegates,

M10 31 I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Middle East
Chapter for hosting the 17th World Memon Organization
AGM.

The meticulous arrangements, the innumerable,

sumptuous dinners and the generous hospitality extended
wmoworld to all delegates were exceptional. The organisational skills
displayed, with attention to the minutest details is highly
appreciated.

@wmoworld
CONNECT

Please convey our sincere appreciation to all the sponsors

and well-wishers who made the AGM a grand success,
courtesy their generosity and steadfast support towards
@wmoworld WMO.

The warm friendship and camaraderie was on ample

display in Dubai as it once again endorsed WMO as the
wmoworld.org global, umbrella organization which transcends borders
and connects Memons from all corners of the World.

I conclude by stating that as we partake in the joys of our

annual ritual of meeting each other at these wonderful
AGMs, we mustn’t forget the core ethos of WMO is to
uplift our less fortunate brothers and sisters. As esteemed
ZUBAIR CHASHMAWALA Trustees, Patrons and Members of the organization,
Editor-in-Chief it is our humble duty to contribute towards the many
EDITORIAL

humanitarian causes undertaken by our Chapters

across the globe. I look forward to your meaningful and
REEDA SHEIKHANI invaluable contributions, both in the form of time and
Editor
effort towards WMO because it is only when you give of
yourself that you truly give.

SHAZLY MAKEEN
Thank you. Yours in Service,
Designer

Suliman Noor Mahomed (Solly Noor)

President, World Memon Organization
 The
dia r i e s
The 17th WMO AGM was hosted by the Middle East Chapter in the vibrant city of Dubai
from the 31st of October to the 2nd of November 2019.

It was a celebration of Memon
brotherhood. The warm
camaraderie, fellowship and
affiliation of all Memons from
across the globe towards this
wonderful organization was
strikingly evident by the colossal
turn out at the event.
There were large representations
from Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka,
Africa, North America, Europe, the
Far East and of course the hosts -
Middle East.
The AGM endorsed WMO as the
truly global, umbrella organization
which unites Memons from all
corners of the World under its
wings.
30th October marked the arrival of
most of the delegates from around
the globe and signaled the start of
a momentous AGM which was the
culmination of months of rigorous
planning and hard work by the
Middle East contingent - notably
Mr. Ahmed Shaikhani (VP - WMO
Middle East Chapter), Mr. Khalid
Dedhi (RSG - WMO Middle East
Chapter), Mr. Haroon Mohammed
(Regional Treasurer - WMO
Middle East Chapter), Mr. Afzal
Allahrakha (RMC member WMO
ME ), Mr. Moiz Ashraf Dara (RYE
GYW WMO ME), Mr. Aneel Ameen
(Office Manager - WMO ME) and
all the dedicated volunteers
who contributed towards the
resounding success of the AGM.

THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 3


Pakistan Association Dubai hosts WMO
30th October
“WMO supports Life. We strongly
believe that every human being
has the right to quality medical
care. Our vision is a World without
suffering.” asserted WMO President,
Mr. Solly Noor as he took the floor
and raised a million dirhams
towards the Pakistan Medical
Centre, a landmark project by
Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD)
to construct the first not-for-profit
health care facility in the heart of
Dubai.
The gala dinner was hosted
by WMO stalwart, Mr. Shabbir
Merchant at the Pakistan
Auditorium in Dubai, wherein more
than 250 prominent members of
the global Memon community
participated and pledged support
towards the upcoming medical
center under the leadership of the
WMO President.
“WMO have established
themselves as Caretakers of
Humanity for almost two decades
THE MEMON | ISSUE 30
now. The organization provides
effective medical and health care
to the underprivileged across the
globe. WMO is resolute in its belief
that quality medical care should
remain firmly within the frail grasp
of penury. By pledging support
towards this state of the art, multi-
specialty medical facility in Dubai,
we have taken rapid strides to
achieve that paramount objective.
In a few months time with steadfast
support from WMO, the center will
stand completed and we pray it
becomes a beacon of hope for
health care and the marginalized
in UAE,” concluded Mr. Solly Noor.
The Pakistan Medical Centre
will be an outpatient polyclinic
serving across all disciplines from
pediatrics to dental, laboratory to
radiology and many others. The
medical center will serve people
of all nationalities and will be a gift
from the Pakistani community to
others.
The
diaries
The health care project will be
an integral part of the World’s
largest community center being
built in Dubai by PAD for overseas
Pakistanis. The project will stand
completed by the end of 2019.
Dr. Faisel Ikram (President PAD)
paid tribute to Mr. Solly Noor
and the Memon community
who showed great heart and
supported the cause. Dr. Ikram
reciprocated by announcing that
the World Memon Organisation
name would be prominently
displayed in the halls of the
medical center as a kind reminder
of the momentous night wherein
the unparalleled generosity of
the Memon community came
to the fore and rallied support
towards another humanitarian
cause under the WMO banner.
As the organization adds another
milestone in its unending journey
of touching and changing lives
across the globe.
JANUARY 2020 | 4
 The
Global Youth Wing (GYW) diaries
31st October

The WMO GYW put up a good
show at the 17th WMO AGM in
Dubai.
On the first day of the AGM, the
GYW conference acted as a
curtain raiser. With Bashir Sattar
at the helm of the GYW team, this
captain has made sure that all
the chapters in the WMO footprint
have an active GYW.
Touting GYW as a feeder channel
for future leadership roles within
WMO, Sattar has been successfully These dynamic individuals have
able to identify and recruit the built their own teams and are
creme de la creme of the memon adding to the WMO legacy!
youth population in his team which
was evident by the presentations With such dedicated and
put up by the dedicated RYVCs hardworking young people
from all the chapters. coming in to the organisation we
are confident that the future of the
The young guns apprised the organisation is secure and is in the
audience about their projects safe hands of these future young
ranging from Titans, Memon leaders!
Matrimony, Memon Share, Project
Mohabbatain, Memon Youth Kudos to Bashir Sattar and his
Parliament to name a few. team!

A message from Mr. Bashir Sattar (Chairman – WMO GYW the community is potentially one of the clearest established
and founder Trustee) facts to emerge from the GYW since I took over in April
2017. If we continue to work hard to implement the GYW
Assalaamu Alaykum structure we will have an immense pool of talent developed
Fellow Memon’s to meet future challenges facing our organisation, people
and humanity generally Insha Allah.
The 2019 WMO AGM
in Dubai was another This last year we’ve witnessed some excellent exciting
very well attended interesting and valuable projects to help and assist the
series of meetings with development of our youth but also meet some of the
delegates attending humanitarian challenges.
from all over the
globe. My thanks go to my amazing team for their hard work
and endeavours. Well done to you all. Khurram Kalia, Dr
One of the many Sana Durvesh, Arsalan Tabani, Arsalan Hashmani, Junaid
blessings of being part Ahmed, Reeda Sheikhani, Saad Iqbal and Sumrin Imran.
of the global family of We now look forward to bringing into our GYW Structure
Memon’s in the WMO the teams from North and South India as well as South
is you meet up with Africa and Europe Insha Allah.
brothers, sisters friends
and establish new A very special thanks to the organizers of the 17th AGM
relationships whilst who’ve done a wonderful job in arranging all that was
serving the common purpose of uplifting humanity. It’s an required to keep us organized and entertained. Ahmed
annual event which everybody really looks forward to. Shaikhani bha, Khaled Dhedhi Bha and the entire team
as well as Mahmood Shaikhani bha who whilst not present
This years Global Youth Wing conference focused on the was pivotal in so many ways during this event.
continuing progress of implementing the new structure
whilst delivering dynamic exciting projects in established 2020 is a crucial year for GYW and we shall do our very best
regions. to deliver the valuable work we’ve been doing past two
years Insha Allah.
One thing is absolutely certain - the untapped talent within

THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 5


International Ladies Wing
01st November
It is said that behind every
successful man there is a woman
but what was witnessed at the
WMO AGM was quite contrary to
this archaic saying. We saw women
from all walks of life standing not
behind the congregation of these
successful men but rather by their
side, or perhaps even a step ahead
then their male counterparts.
These women assembled together
for their ladies wing meeting to not
only discuss but to also celebrate
their success stories in their
respective chapters.
The formidable Fazila AK Ismail,
the driving force behind the WMO
international ladies wing took
center-stage and communicated
a strong message to the female
audience members about the
importance of various projects
being conducted by the WMO.
She also launched the ladies wing
International Cookbook which
has memon recipes from across
the globe. Being an innovative
individual, she for the first time
presented all the chapters projects
THE MEMON | ISSUE 30
The
diaries
via a video rather than a traditional
Power Point.
From Honahar Beti to Roti Bank to
the meat and blanket distribution
drive to the menstrual cups
awareness sessions and to the
provision of bridal dresses, the
audience were in complete awe
of the work which had been
delivered by these ladies over the
past one year.
The indomitable Shabana Abdul
Razzak, being the torchbearer
of her father’s name handled all
the meeting proceedings and
ensured that the ladies leave the
meeting with a renewed level of
“happiness”. A happiness coach
Mrs Shaista Ali was also invited to this
meeting who delivered a lecture
on the importance of staying
happy and taught the female
audience about developing an
attitude of “Happtitude”. Later a
female stand up comedian took to
the stage and had the audience
in fits with her act!
Truly, it’s the girl/ladies power
which rocks the world!
JANUARY 2020 | 6
 The
diaries
A message from Mrs Fazila AK Ismail (former Chairperson hearts and left many with a tearful eye.
of the International Ladies Wing)
The inspiration drawn from this conference leaves one
This annual event returning with even more fervor and determination to work
which was once even harder at making a difference.
again hosted in
the beautiful city of Under the guidance of Our president Solly Noor Bha And
Dubai has become his team of Office Bearers and our Chairman of Board of
a gathering of Trustees Haroon Karrim Bha we once again have been
brilliant minds of blessed with the opportunity to witness this gathering of
philanthropists who global leaders work together as one body and stand firm
brainstorm ideas in the motto of; “ Unite, Uphold, Uplift.”
and then work
as a United team The enthusiastic Youth Wing of all the chapters also have
towards making to be commended for their innovative and dynamic
a difference to ideas and projects under the supervision of their GYW
mankind. Chairmanship of Bashir Sattar Bha.

Delegates who We once again thank the members of the Middle East
represent the Chapter notably the RMC, the ladies Wing, youth wing and
various Chapters all volunteers.
globally attended
in huge numbers and were received with the warmest of Last but not least the beautiful Memories of the gracious
hospitality by our gracious hosts of the Middle East (ME) hospitality extended by the hosts and their welcoming
Chapter led by Ahmed Shaikhani bha and his team who families of all the dinners before and after the AGM will
ensured that all events were meticulously planned. forever remain with all of us.

A special note of thanks has to be expressed to The ME
Ladies Wing for being excellent hosts to all the Delegates.
The WMO Women’s Wing of all the nine chapters globally
have to be commended for the tireless efforts throughout
the year towards all their projects for the upliftment of
mankind globally.
We make dua that the blessings and guidance of Almighty
Allah always be with us for all our future endeavours in
making a difference to mankind.
May we grow from strength to strength In shah Allah.
Ameen

The reports of the projects undertaken by these dedicated

women from different parts of the world touched many

Man of the Moment

02nd November

Mr. Majid In a short span of 18 months, the in towns across the state of
Ranani has two Ashiyaana projects stood Maharashtra for Memon families
been the completed in the towns of Akola living in poverty, along with a
man of and Malegaon, welcoming 50 host of extensive humanitarian
the year families into her fold. The Legacy services including funds for the
for WMO projects were aptly named marginalized towards matrimony.
and was Ashiyaana . The word ‘Ashiyaana’
singled out means a nest. A most enduring We can only stand up and
for special legacy - a roof over the heads applaud Mr. Ranani for his tireless
praise by of underprivileged families of the services to Humanity and that
Mr. Solly Memon Community - a nest for all was exactly what the gathered
Noor (WMO to come home to. crowds at the AGM did. As Majid
- President). Ranani received a special award
Mr. Majid Ranani hosted a lavish from the WMO President, the
Mr. Ranani had pledged to dinner at his palatial home for audience delivered a standing
construct two housing colonies as the esteemed global delegates ovation. As the hall reverberated
Legacy Projects in India to provide who had arrived in Dubai for the with the deafening applause,
homes for our less fortunate AGM. After the sumptuous meal, another memorable moment was
brothers and sisters. he announced the construction preserved in the annals of the
of three more housing projects momentous 17th WMO AGM.

THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 7


End Note
Mr. Gulaam Abdoola (Chairman
of the Zakat Committee) is a
straight arrow and a man of
few words. During the course of
the AGM, he lamented that the
Zakat collections had dropped
significantly in the year 2019 and
that WMO was drifting away from
its core values of essentially being
a Charitable organization that
was founded by the pillars of the
Memon community to uplift our
less fortunate brothers and sisters.
During the closing hours of the
AGM, Mr. Abdoola led by example
and displayed the ease with
which funds could be collected
for a worthy cause. WMO North
India Chapter had repeatedly
requested for a permanent office
space in Mumbai wherein WMO
could be headquartered in India.
THE MEMON | ISSUE 30
The
Mr. Abdoola reminisced during the
old days whereby the legendary
founder President of WMO - Haji
Abdul Razzack Yaqoob (ARY)
would crowd fund projects in
minutes during occasions like the
AGMs. Walking down memory
lane, Mr. Abdoola initiated the
drive by putting down the initial
amount of $5000 which was
immediately reciprocated by
Mr. Salman Iqbal (ARY), nephew
of the late Haji Saab ARY who
announced $ 25,000 towards the
cause. This led to a cascading
effect and within minutes $150,000
was collected for the India office.
As the gathered crowds cheered
and contributed towards the
cause, the AGM ended on an
endearing note. Mr. Gulaam
Abdoola had turned back the
d i a r i e s
clock, taken the organization
back to the days of Haji Saab
wherein no underprivileged
man or woman ever returned
empty handed from the doors of
WMO, courtesy his unparalleled
generosity. It was heartening to
witness Mr. Gulaam Abdoola take
the organization down that road
again but what was even more
comforting, was that the sublime
ARY legacy lives on in WMO under
the able leadership of his close
friend and confidant - the equally
benevolent Solly Noor.
An enduring legacy, an everlasting
memory and the perfect note to
end the 17th WMO AGM in dazzling
Dubai.
JANUARY 2020 | 8
 SNAP
SH TS

MR. KHALID DEDHI

Regional Secretary General (WMO ME Chapter)
THE BUCK STOPS HERE.
Cornerstone of the Middle East Chapter and
Mr. Yunus Suleman , the prolific WMO
mainstay of the team that organised the AGM.
Treasurer continued his annual customary
presentation of the consolidated balance
sheet and financial statements at the
AGM in his bid to maintain complete
transparency of accounts.

THE GENTLEMAN WHO KEEPS

OUR TREASURER ON HIS TOES.
Mr. Farooq Samana is a
corporate man. He is also
one of the most generous
benefactors of WMO who
follows his annual ritual of
being the first person at the
AGM to raise his hand and
pose a difficult question to
Mr. Yunus Suleman after
he presents the financial
statements. Of course our
esteemed Treasurer is equal
to the task and always has
the answers.

THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 9

 SNAP

CHAPTER
SH TS

REPORT
PRESENTATIONS

MR. FEIZUL AYOB

MR. AHMED SHAIKHANI
(VP - Africa Chapter)
(VP - Middle East Chapter)
Africa has been the torchbearer of Humanity
The most gracious host.
under the able leadership of the charismatic
Feizul Ayob.

MR. AMEEN BHAILA

(RSG - Far East Chapter)
Some outstanding work was
done by the Far East Chapter
to provide immediate relief aid
and rehabilitate the victims of the
devastating Easter terror attacks
and the ensuing riots that thrust the
beautiful country of Sri Lanka into a
vortex of horrific violence.

THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 10

 SNAP
SH TS
MR. EHSAN GADAWALA
(VP - North India Chapter)
You have to doff your hat to the unstoppable
force of nature - Mr. Ehsan Gadawala and
applaud India Chapter for their extensive
humanitarian services rendered in all
corners of the country over the past two
years. Education, housing, health care,
empowerment, jobs, matrimony - all boxes
have been ticked off by Ehsan Gadawala.
Add to that the membership roster is brimming
with the crème de la crème of Memons from
across the length and breadth of North India.

MR. ALTAF JANGDA

MR. IMRAN PANAAWALA (VP - Pakistan Chapter)
(VP - Europe Chapter) The corneal transplant program has been
The predominantly England Chapter has the highlight of the Chapter. Hundreds of
spread its wings to Portugal under the able underprivileged brothers and sisters in Pakistan
leadership of Mr. Panawala. He has set his have been accorded the gift of sight.
sights on Scotland next.

MR. H. E. ABDUL AZEEZ

(VP - South India Chapter)
The gentlemen
from the south have
carved a special
niche for themselves
and their projects
have impressed the
top donors in WMO
who are forming a
bee line to contribute
towards the many
humanitarian causes MR. BASHIR AKULY
in South India. (VP - North America)
A large contingent arrived from North America
to attend the AGM in Dubai, bearing testament
to the ever expanding global footprint of WMO.
THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 11
 SNAP
SH TS

MRS. MARVI SHAIKHANI

MR. MAHMOOD SHAIKHANI
The Deputy Secretary General of WMO and the poster boy
of the Middle East Chapter was missed at the AGM. His
absence was felt and the void remained too big to be filled.
The better half of Mr. Mahmood
Shaikhani did her best to fill the huge
void. And she managed to do it too
with remarkable elan and grace by
playing the flawless hostess.

MR. SATAR DADA

The most humble man with
a heart of gold. The former
President of WMO continues
to be one of its biggest
donors. The grand old man
of WMO reached another
milestone and celebrated
his 80th birthday in January
2020. We pray the Almighty
grant him many more in
good health and happiness.

THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 12

 SNAP
SH TS

EXTEND THE HAND OF FRIENDSHIP

Mrs Raziya Chashmawala and Mrs Hamida Bawany from India and Pakistan respectively,
standing together, shoulder to shoulder, make a pretty picture during turbulent times.
Mr Modi and Mr. Khan, please take note.

BOYS FROM PORTUGAL

Irfane Hameed and his brother are flying SIR IQBAL SACRANIE
the WMO flag high in their neck of the You are under the watchful eye of the Election
woods Commissioner

THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 13

 SNAP
SH TS

MRS SAHER KHALID DEDHI

The better half of Mr. Khalid Dedhi was the perfect
hostess at the AGM

SHABANA ARY
A woman of substance. The worthy daughter
of a very worthy father.
THE LADIES FROM SRI LANKA

THE AMERICANS
THE RESPLENDENT LADIES FROM AFRICA

THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 14

 SNAP
SH TS

MR. ASHRAF SATTAR

The Deputy Chairman of the
WMO Board of Trustees is a
man of the people. Under his
leadership, the membership
drive is in full swing and the
Global footprint of WMO
extends from the Sea of
Japan to the Hudson bay on
the shores of Canada.

MR. NOWSAD GANI

The Benjamin Button of WMO
keeps growing younger with
each passing year as his
thick mane of lustrous hair
have mutated from white
to silver grey to pitch black.
The Deputy President of
WMO is one of its greatest
ambassadors and it certainly
helps to have a young,
charming and debonair
man as the face of the
organization. We say make
him President, we need the
younger crop to lead us and
maybe, in time he will share
his well-kept secret to the
elusive fountain of youth.

MR. SHOAIB ISMAIL

The Secretary General
of WMO was his usual
effervescent self at the
AGM and synchronized the
meetings with clockwork
efficiency.

THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 15

 SNAP
SH TS

MR. HAROON KARIM

(Chairman of WMO Board of Trustees)
It beggars belief that he is
going to be 75 years old,
cancel that 75 years young
in 2020. This powerhouse of
energy has been physically
present at every endeavour,
at every event and has
guided North India Chapter
every step of the way. Those
late night flights from London
to Mumbai, the overnight
train journeys to remote
villages in India, Haroon
bha has stood firm, shoulder
to shoulder with Ehsan
Gadawala and fuelled India
Chapter to unimaginable
heights.

MR. ISMAIL GADIT

Generosity Personified

BORDERS DIVIDE
US BUT THE
GASTRONOMIC
DELIGHTS UNITE US.
The ladies from
different corners
THE YOUTH BRIGADE of the World at
their sumptuous
THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 16
morning breakfast
buffets at the
 SNAP
SH TS

MR. BASHIR SATTAR

MOMENTS

MR. BASHIR SATTAR AND MR. EHSAN GADAWALA

BASHIR SATTAR GETS A PAT ON THE BACK FROM
We wonder who had the last word THE PRESIDENT.

PLEASE SHARE THE JOKE

MR. BASHIR SATTAR WITH MR. ISMAIL GADIT
The two tallest pillars of WMO.

THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 17

 SNAP
SH TS

UNVEILING OF THE WMO M10 CRICKET LEAGUE TROPHY

A FULL HOUSE AT THE AGM

THE AFRICAN SAFARI

THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 18

 SNAP
SH TS

A LUNCH WITH RIZ KHAN, ACCLAIMED CNN ANCHOR AT
THE WALDORF.
PROFESSOR RASHID GATRAD OBE DL
With the radical climate changes due
to global warming erupting in wildfires in
Australia and causing havoc around the
globe, Dr. Gatrad was a welcome sight
at the AGM championing a pertinent
environmental cause.

THE MIDDLE EAST TEAM

The driving force behind the AGM

THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 19

 SNAP
SH TS

MR YOUSUF KAMDAR
THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE
The glue that holds WMO together
The Jury is still out

MR. KAMRAN GHANI

An exquisite dinner was hosted by the gracious
Kamran Ghani and the dapper Yousuf Kamdar
at the opulent setting of the Ghani residence
to honour the WMO President. BOYZ TO MEN
The Sri Lanka Youth with the Stalwarts of WMO

THE PERFECT COUPLE

Dr Taheera Hassim and her better half, the THE DESERT SAFARI
remarkable Abdul Kader Baba Picture Perfect end to the AGM.

THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 20

 SNAP
SH TS

BORDERS DIVIDE
US BUT THE
GASTRONOMIC
DELIGHTS UNITE US.
The ladies from
different corners
of the World at
their sumptuous
morning breakfast
buffets at the
Metropolitan
hotel.

OUR HEARTFELT GRATITUDE TO OUR SPONSORS

BORDERS DIVIDE
US BUT THE
GASTRONOMIC
DELIGHTS UNITE US.
The ladies from
different corners
of the World at
their sumptuous
morning breakfast
buffets at the
Metropolitan
hotel.

THE CLOSE KNIT AND EVER GROWING WMO FAMILY.

THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 21

PROJECT
MOHABBATEN

One of the loftiest graces, Allah Swt has
bestowed upon our Ummah was sending
prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a messenger
and a guide.
Scholar Sa’di indicated that “this bounty
is the most valuable of Allah’s bounties
bestowed upon His worshippers. He sent
them this noble prophet to take them out
of misguidance and protect them from
perdition.”
In the noble Quran, Allah Swt states what can
be translated as “Indeed there has already
come to you a messenger from (among)
yourselves. He is concerned by your suffering,
anxious for your well-being. To the believers
(He is) constantly compassionate, constantly
merciful.” (tmq 9: 128)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed for us,
his Ummah every single time in his prayers.
[Al-Bukhari] Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
saved his ultimate supplication for us, his
followers to the day of judgment whereas the
rest of the prophets, may Allah’s peace and
blessings be upon them, have utilized theirs
during their lifetime. Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH) said: “For every Prophet there is
one invocation which is definitely fulfilled
by Allah, and I wish, if Allah will, to keep
my that (special) invocation as to be the
intercession for my followers on the Day of
Resurrection.”
Subhan Allah.

When Mr. Ehsan Gadawala (VP of WMO North SPREAD THE LOVE
India Chapter) initiated the Mohabbaten project WMO teams organised and executed project
on the eve of Eid - E - Milad - un - Nabi (Birthday of Mohabbaten across 70 towns & cities in India and
the Prophet), the objective was to spread the love amongst all age groups, irrespective of caste, religion,
(Mohabbaten). Unbounded and everlasting love community or creed.
that prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has in his heart
for his Ummah, immeasurable love that we have FRUIT DISTRIBUTION
towards our beloved Prophet and the love that we Fresh fruit packets were distributed to the ailing at
can express towards our fellow human beings by hospitals.
undertaking charitable endeavours that would uplift
Humanity.

When Mr. Gadawala envisioned project Mohabbaten,

the message he sent out was very explicit. He wanted
the Indian Memon Community to come together on
Eid and provide a broad spectrum of humanitarian
services to the less fortunate of the country. The
essence of Mohabbaten is the very ethos of the
World Memon Organisation - to Unite, Uphold and
Uplift Mankind. Hence all WMO members, volunteers
and youngsters across India worked around the clock
to initiate endeavours to Serve Mankind on the 10th
of November and celebrate the birth anniversary of
the Prophet.

THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 22

 FOOD DISTRIBUTION
Food packets were distributed at various venues
including orphanages, old age homes and hospitals.

MEDICAL CAMPS
Medical camps were organized and arranged across
India to provide medical assistance to the suffering.

FREE MEDICINE DISTRIBUTION

Medicines were distributed at hospitals

BLOOD DONATION CAMPS

Blood donation camps were organized to encourage
youngsters to donate this life-saving commodity to
hospitals and blood banks.

SCHOOL KIT DISTRIBUTION

School kits were distributed to children in order to
encourage education amongst the poor.

MOHABBATAIN EXPRESS
Free car rides, train rides, cab rides, free transportation
was arranged for underprivileged children.

CLOTHES DISTRIBUTION
New and used clothes were delivered to the ailing in
various hospitals.

TREE PLANTATION
A large number of trees were planted by teams across
the country to support the environment and create
more green lungs in towns and cities.

FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

Three wholesome meals, clothes, medicines and
consultations were provided to cancer patients in
Mumbai.

SOUTH AFRICA
On the occasion of Eid – E – Milad , the Africa Chapter
partook in the Mohabbaten initiative and provided
menstrual cups to underprivileged girl students in
Johannesburg.

SRI LANKA
Mr. Ameen Bhailla, the Regional Secretary General
of the Far East Chapter provided meals at several
orphanages in Colombo.

END NOTE
Project Mohabbaten was a very profound experience,
especially for the many youngsters who participated
in the program for the first time and gave it their all for
their brethren. “Allah Swt calls upon us to care for our
Ummah, especially the underprivileged, to uplift the
less fortunate; it’s a call to better our communities, our
towns, our nations and the World,” asserted a Youth
Wing member, “ and what better day to answer the
call, than on the birth anniversary of our beloved
Prophet.”

Project Mohabbaten will be remembered for its

expressions of boundless love towards our fellow
human beings through the many acts of kindness. It
was an apt day, a momentous day to send out our
beloved Prophet’s message, that the best form of love,
is the love for his Ummah.
THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 23
 ANOTHER ASHIYAANA
HOUSING PROJECT DELIVERED
IN INDIA
Savarkundla is a town in the
Amreli district of South Gujarat. It
has a sizable Memon population.

On the 3rd of January, 15 underprivileged

families of the Memon community
moved into their very own homes in
Savarkundla. As another Legacy project
of India stood completed, Ashiyaana
welcomed the 15 families into her fold.

Ashiyaana Housing project was envisioned

by Mr. Samir Hingora a prominent patron
member of WMO North India Chapter. The
occasion was peppered with joyous scenes
and tears as the eyes of several family
members welled up as they became proud
home owners on the memorable day.

The word ‘Ashiyaana’ means a nest. A most

enduring legacy - a roof over the heads
of marginalized families of the Memon
Community - a nest for all to come home
to.

THALASSEMIA FREE PAKISTAN

WMO wages the war against Thalassemia with a hope that the year 2020 will be a Thalassemia free Pakistan.

The vision is shared with Hazrat Bashir Farooqi, the esteemed Founder of Saylani Welfare and All Pakistan
Memon Federation.

A crucial meeting was held on the 11th of January to pursue the objective at the Saylani Welfare Head Office
in Bahadurabad.

THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 24

 THE PRESIDENT OF TURKEY VISITS LONDON
Sir Iqbal Sacranie, stalwart of WMO warmly greeted President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey at the opening
ceremony of the first eco mosque - the Cambridge Central Mosque in UK.

Mr. Bashir Sattar (Chairman Global Youth Wing - WMO) and Mr. Mahmood Shaikhani (Deputy Secretary
General - WMO) also attended the inaugural event and met with the President, the honourable Minister of
Islamic Affairs - H.E. Ali Erbas and the Minister of Finance - H.E Berat Albayrak.

THE ORPHANAGE PROJECT

On the 30th of November, Dr. Taheera
Hassim (Regional Secretary General
- WMO Africa Chapter) and her
husband Abdul Kader visited Al Hudaar
Orphanage located in the Orange
farm area of Lenasia, South Africa. The
orphanage also houses a Madressah
wherein Islamic education is imparted
to children who are encouraged to
embrace Islam. The children from the
Madressah had requested for new
Abayas and Kurtas to wear at their
upcoming Jalsa (ceremony). We are
eternally grateful to Yasmin Gani, a
diligent member of the WMO Africa
Chapter Youth Wing for arranging
all the attires, despite a broken leg.
Yasmin also accompanied Dr. Hassim
to the orphanage to partake in the joy
of giving and distributed the clothes,
along with a gift bag to the children.

The children reciprocated with the

soulful rendition of verses from the holy
Quran as a blissful evening came to an
end on the perfect note.

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 CRICKETING
CR
CR G
BONANZA
N A
KARACHI KINGS M10 CRICKET LEAGUE

Nelson Mandela had famously quoted,

T E A M S
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has
the power to inspire. It has the power to unite
Artistic Hawks
people in a way that little else does.”
The Global Youth Wing of the World Memon
Organisation Middle East Chapter followed in the
footsteps of the legendary Nelson Mandela and Shaikha DareDevils
organised a spectacular cricket tournament to unite
Memons from across the Middle East. The brainchild
of Junaid Ahmed (Regional Youth Vice Chairman
- WMO Global Youth Wing, Middle East Chapter), Esskay Tigers
Karachi Kings M10 league brought together several
teams and players from across the region. In the first
week of November 2019 , the league was officially
announced at the AGM in Dubai and the trophy
unveiled by the illustrious ARY family who were the
Diamond Fighters
driving force behind the event.

The Cricket League’s anthem made a debut

with much fanfare on the 20th of December and Realtors United
subsequently a gala dinner launched the league at
the iconic Address Hotel in the first week of January.
The gala was graced by a galaxy of stars, along with
the top brass of the WMO Middle East Chapter. All the Samana Eagles
eight team owners and players made their presence
felt at the glitzy event with their vibrant cricket jerseys
being unveiled.

Spread over a period of three days, from the 9th of Workways Warriors
January till the 11th and hosted at the World class
Sharjah Cricket stadium, this cricketing spectacle
proved to be quite a hit, as Memons from across
the Emirates came out in full force to cheer for their Universal Memons
teams. Each boundary got the crowd on their feet,
every dropped catch drew a gasp and many close

THE MEMON | ISSUE 30 JANUARY 2020 | 31

 matches had the spectators
on the edge of their seats. The
matches went late into the night
with the finals being scheduled
for the 11th of January. However
due to inclement weather
conditions the finals were washed
out and the two winning semi
finalists - Realtors United & Shaikha
Daredevils were both crowned
as the joint champions of the first
Karachi Kings M10 League. Based
on the overwhelming response
and judging by the size of the
crowds, we can humbly state
that the first Karachi Kings M10
League was a colossal success.
THE MEMON | ISSUE 30
The event would not have
been made possible without
the tireless efforts of Mr. Salman
Iqbal, Junaid Ahmed, Mahmood
Shaikhani, Ahmed Shaikhani,
Khalid Dhedhi, Kamran Ghani,
Imran Farooq and Khurram Kalia
who provided steadfast support
towards organising an event of
such scale and magnitude. We
are also very grateful to all our
sponsors and the team owners
for endorsing the event.
Though entertainment was one
small aspect of the Karachi
Kings M10 league, it presented
a crucial platform to our youth
to showcase their talents to the
World. The spectacular cricket
tournament brought in sizeable
crowds, uniting not only Memons
from the Emirates but also people
from all corners of the globe who
have migrated to the Middle East
over the years and now call it
home.
It is indeed true that sports has
the power to inspire, to unite and
could perhaps even change the
World. Take a bow, Mr. Mandela.
JANUARY 2020 | 32
 A CARNIVAL
C AL
L
COMES
C TO THE CITY
Y
THE M10 CRICKET CARNIVAL IN SHARJAH

“Life is like a carnival. The cotton candy are all the sweet
things in your life”....goes the adage.

On the 10th of January, the dedicated Ladies Wing of

the Middle East Chapter certainly brought the carnival
to town, under the able leadership of Mrs. Shabana
Razzak Musani, with steadfast support from the Global
Youth Wing.

The event was an elaborate celebration of the M10

cricket league and brought together people of all ages.
The community members mingled freely and spent a
leisurely afternoon, basking in each other’s company.
Despite the dismal forecast of incessant rains, the
carnival attracted a substantial crowd to the sprawling
Sharjah stadium on an overcast Friday afternoon.
Several tents were pitched up across the manicured
lawns and the children were entertained with games,
clowns, rides, balloons, popcorn and face painting
while the ladies bonded over the appetizing food.

As the evening set in, old friends connected over a cup

of hot tea, new friendships blossomed and the genial
camaraderie brought cheer to a grey and dreary
evening in Sharjah.

As the gracious hosts of yet another memorable

evening, WMO has once again achieved its objective
of fostering friendships, building brotherhood,
strengthening relationships and bringing the community
closer together.

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